Treadmill Training and Brain Stimulation for Stroke Recovery
Author Information
Author(s): Usman Jibrin Sammani, Wong Thomson Wai-lung, Ng Shamay Sheung Mei
Primary Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hypothesis
What is the effect of treadmill training combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on mobility, motor performance, balance function, and other brain-related outcomes in stroke survivors?
Conclusion
Treadmill training combined with active tDCS significantly improves some gait/mobility outcomes and corticomotor excitability in stroke survivors.
Supporting Evidence
- TT combined with active tDCS had significant beneficial effects on mobility parameters.
- TT improved gait endurance and corticomotor excitability in stroke survivors.
- TT combined with tDCS showed no significant difference in gait speed or functional mobility compared to control conditions.
Takeaway
This study found that using a treadmill while also stimulating the brain can help people who had a stroke walk better and improve their brain function.
Methodology
The review included randomized controlled trials and analyzed data using qualitative and quantitative syntheses, including fixed effects meta-analysis.
Potential Biases
Some studies had unclear or high risk of bias in selection and performance.
Limitations
The studies included had small sample sizes and some methodological flaws, limiting the strength of the evidence.
Participant Demographics
The participants were chronic stroke survivors, with a mean age range of 55.43 to 67.25 years, and included both males and females.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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